Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

"The Commanders" compares and contrasts two men who both hate war's destruction. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel are born a year apart, come from non-military backgrounds, are athletic and mildly rebellious and competent but not outstanding in studies at military academies. Each marries a beautiful woman and has one son. During World War I, Rommel gains combat experience while Eisenhower masters "logistics and administration" stateside. Each shows leadership ability and inspires loyalty. Each emerges from obscurity when a new war comes. Rommel commands a panzer division in France in 1940, and the entire Afrika Korps in 1941-42. Eisenhower first confronts Rommel at Kasserine Pass in 1942. The clash shows Rommel taking risks and maneuvering, and Eisenhower cautiously calculating and overwhelming. The Americans are green but win with superior firepower. Before the "defeatist" Rommel's reputation is spoiled, Hitler recalls him...